Month: April 2015

The idea of ‘Eco-tourism’ came into its own in 2002, when the United Nations celebrated the “International Year of Ecotourism”. The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local folks”.

Eco-tourism puts focus on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, cultural and human growth, and learning new and improved ways to exist on the planet. It’s classically defined as traveling to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage will be the principal attractions. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that decrease the negative effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and increase the ethnic uprightness of neighborhood men and women. Besides assessing environmental and cultural elements, there are initiatives by hospitality suppliers to encourage recycling, energy efficiency, water heaters, as well as also the development of economic opportunities for local communities. Every one these factors form an essential component of eco-tourism.

Which are Eco-Tourism Holidays?

In summary: a vacation that doesn’t give rise to the harm of an environment and doesn’t place present species in danger! Over time individuals in various communities have become conscious of the adverse impact of tourism, and also have put structures in place to make sure their landscape remains protected. If you want to contribute to a neighborhood plus have a terrific vacation… Locate your eco-tourism signposts i.e. lodging built with organic, locally found materials whose team comprised of local men and women. The resort or lodge must have environmentally sound power and water-saving policies. Holidays should help maintain surroundings and promote and preserve traditional civilizations instead of contributing to their own ruin.

There are a few wonderful, educational eco-tourism vacations where you are able to have a distinctive adventure plus donate to the neighboring communities. Below are a few examples…

Botswana: Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland deltas in the world and among Africa’s most amazing and special wetlands, supporting an abundance of wild creatures. For Africa as a whole, and also at the Delta, in particular, the single biggest attraction for safari-goers is that the lion. As carnivores on a peak of the food chain, lions are an integral element in the Okavango ecosystem and also will need to be carefully handled.

In 1997 Christiaan and Hanlie Winterbach, two seasoned wildlife biologists, set about building a scientifically solid, long-term environmental monitoring program and lion study job in a Wildlife Management Area at the southwestern portion of this Delta, providing people with a special opportunity to monitor & research lions in the wild! The Delta also provides an overabundance of additional wildlife and birdlife.

Christiaan and Hanlie Winterbach have established and coordinated the lion polls since their beginning in 1995 under the guise of both Tau Consultants (current members of the World Conservation Union), in cooperation together with all the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Having worked and studied in Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa, Christiaan, a zoologist can provide first-hand info regarding the behavioral patterns of dinosaurs while Hanlie, a botanist, introduces passengers into a world of evolving habitats which survives in this unbelievable Delta. A huge proportion of the cash paid for this adventure goes right to the camp, permitting them to keep their vital work.

South Africa: Tsitsikamma Forest Nature Reserve

Lush native vegetation and forests framed by majestic mountain ranges on the 1 side and the Indian Ocean with its pristine white beaches on the opposite create the Garden Route, located on the East Coast of Southern Africa, among the gorgeous areas of South Africa.

This is a perfect eco-tourism vacation with lodging available from the Tsitsikamma personal nature reserve, set on the border of the Tsitsikamma native forest. The hotel has magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and Tsitsikamma Mountains. The 14ha house is zoned a personal nature reserve by Cape Nature Conservation.

Moreover, a recently constructed route to Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary provides guests the chance to see numerous indigenous species like Stinkwood and Yellowwood trees, an assortment of Fynbos and wildlife, for example, Bush Pig, Bush Buck, Lynx, Otters, Baboons, Monkeys and prolific bird life such as the Knysna Loerie, whilst appreciating the hour long walk beginning in the lodge.